Report: Arsenal could land 17-goal star deemed ‘a faster version of Saka’ for £60m

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Arsenal have been linked with Moussa Diaby in recent days.

Last week, L’Equipe claimed that the Gunners, Spurs and Newcastle were all interested in the Bayer Leverkusen star.

However, Arsenal – or any other suitors – may have a challenge on their hands to land Diaby.

According to 90Min, Leverkusen are in no rush to sell the 22-year-old this summer.

This is ‘despite increasing interest from the likes of Newcastle , Arsenal and West Ham’.

And while the Magpies are reportedly willing to pay £50million for Diaby, ‘that may not be enough’.

‘Intermediaries believe that the German side would do business at around £60m, but that remains to be seen,’ added 90Min.

Indeed, ‘it is believed Leverkusen have made it clear to any interested parties that they are not entertaining offers’.

BILD – via Sport Witness – mentioned a figure of £84million earlier this month.

‘A blend between Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka and Newcastle maverick Allan Saint-Maximin’

For Arsenal, the priority is a new centre-forward, maybe even two.

However, there’s certainly scope to strengthen on the wings too.

Nicolas Pepe’s Emirates future is incredibly uncertain, and if he goes, the Gunners will need a replacement.

Mikel Arteta has been playing Emile Smith Rowe on the left side of attack, but he also needs to cover for Martin Odegaard.

And there have been rumours Arteta could be looking to convert Gabriel Martinelli into a centre-forward.

In that case, Diaby would be a great shout for the Gunners, though obviously the price tag could be an issue.

That said, Arsenal have shifted several big earners over the past year.

And if they can sell Pepe for a decent sum, they could potentially reinvest in someone like Diaby.

He was in incredible form last season, registering 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 Leverkusen outings.

Diaby’s efforts helped the Bundesliga side finish third in the table.

He also boasts incredible speed.

As per Leverkusen’s website, he clocked up a 35.95kph (22.3mph) sprint in a game against Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2020.

Diaby really does seem worth it – and many fans on social media have loved what they’ve seen from him.

One deemed him ‘the next Mane‘, one called him ‘a faster version of Saka‘ and another described him as a ‘Havertz / Salah hybrid’.

Meanwhile, Chronicle Live wrote of Diaby in May: ‘The 22-year-old’s playing style is best described as a blend between Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka and Newcastle maverick Allan Saint-Maximin.

‘He is a left-footed, direct wide-man who operates on the right flank and likes to maintain his team’s offensive width.’